New Orleans Pelicans 2017 Roster: A Deep Dive

The 2017 New Orleans Pelicans roster was a fascinating mix of talent, potential, and ultimately, unfulfilled expectations. Centered around the twin towers of Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins, the team aimed to dominate the league with its size and skill. However, injuries and inconsistent performances led to a season that, while showing flashes of brilliance, ultimately fell short of its lofty goals. Let's dive deep into each player and the overall dynamics of this intriguing squad.

The Star Power: Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins

Anthony Davis: The Untouchable Talent

Anthony Davis, arguably the most gifted player on the roster, continued to showcase his incredible versatility. His ability to score inside and out, block shots, and handle the ball made him a nightmare matchup for any opponent. In the 2016-2017 season, Davis averaged an impressive 28.0 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game, solidifying his status as one of the league's elite players. His offensive arsenal was diverse, ranging from powerful dunks and put-backs to smooth jump shots and crafty post moves. Defensively, he was a force, altering shots and deterring opponents from attacking the paint. Davis's impact extended beyond the stat sheet; his presence alone commanded attention and opened up opportunities for his teammates. Despite his individual brilliance, the Pelicans struggled to translate his dominance into consistent team success, underscoring the challenges of building a winning team around a single superstar. The team's reliance on Davis was both a blessing and a curse. While he could carry the offense on many nights, the lack of consistent secondary scoring often made the Pelicans predictable and easier to defend. The team's front office recognized the need to surround Davis with more complementary pieces to alleviate the pressure and unlock his full potential. This led to the acquisition of DeMarcus Cousins, a move that was initially met with excitement but ultimately proved to be a complex puzzle to solve. Davis remained the cornerstone of the franchise, and the team's future success hinged on their ability to maximize his talents and build a cohesive roster around him. The pressure was on to find the right mix of players and coaching strategies to elevate the Pelicans into a true contender in the Western Conference. His dedication to the game and his unwavering commitment to improving made him a fan favorite and a symbol of hope for the future of the franchise. Despite the team's struggles, Davis continued to shine, providing glimpses of the greatness that was yet to come.

DeMarcus Cousins: The Volatile Force

DeMarcus Cousins arrived mid-season with the expectation of forming an unstoppable frontcourt duo alongside Anthony Davis. Cousins, known for his scoring prowess, rebounding tenacity, and playmaking ability, added another dimension to the Pelicans' offense. In the games he played with New Orleans during the 2016-2017 season, he averaged 24.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists. His addition was intended to create mismatches and overwhelm opponents with sheer size and skill. However, integrating Cousins into the team proved to be more challenging than anticipated. His on-court chemistry with Davis took time to develop, and the team struggled to find a consistent offensive rhythm with both stars demanding touches. Off the court, Cousins's fiery personality and occasional outbursts added another layer of complexity to the team dynamic. While his passion and intensity could be assets, they sometimes led to technical fouls and distractions that detracted from the team's focus. The experiment of pairing Cousins with Davis was a high-risk, high-reward gamble. The potential was undeniable, but the execution required patience, adaptability, and a willingness to work through the inevitable growing pains. The team's coaching staff faced the challenge of finding the right balance between allowing both stars to play their natural games while also creating a cohesive offensive system that maximized their combined talents. Ultimately, the Cousins-Davis pairing showed flashes of brilliance but never quite reached its full potential during the 2016-2017 season. The team's struggles to integrate Cousins effectively highlighted the complexities of building a successful team, even with two of the league's most talented players. The following season would provide more opportunities to refine the partnership and strive for greater success.

The Supporting Cast: Complementary Pieces and Role Players

Jrue Holiday: The Reliable Guard

Jrue Holiday served as the team's primary point guard, providing stability, scoring, and playmaking. Holiday's ability to penetrate the defense, create opportunities for his teammates, and defend multiple positions made him a valuable asset. In the 2016-2017 season, he averaged 15.4 points and 7.3 assists per game. His calm demeanor and leadership on the court helped to steady the team during turbulent times. Holiday's importance to the Pelicans extended beyond his statistical contributions. He was a respected voice in the locker room and a mentor to the team's younger players. His ability to handle the ball under pressure and make smart decisions in crucial moments made him a key component of the team's offense. Defensively, Holiday was a tenacious defender who could disrupt opposing guards and create turnovers. His versatility allowed him to guard multiple positions, providing the team with flexibility and adaptability. The Pelicans recognized Holiday's value and made him a priority to retain in free agency. His presence provided a sense of continuity and stability, and his contributions were essential to the team's success. As the team evolved, Holiday's role continued to grow, and he became an integral part of the Pelicans' core. His ability to adapt to different roles and his unwavering commitment to the team made him a fan favorite and a respected leader. His presence on the court provided a calming influence, and his ability to make timely plays often made the difference in close games. Holiday's contributions were a testament to his professionalism and his dedication to the game.

E'Twaun Moore: The Sharpshooter

E'Twaun Moore provided much-needed shooting and spacing to the Pelicans' offense. His ability to knock down perimeter shots and spread the floor made him a valuable complement to Davis and Cousins. In the 2016-2017 season, Moore averaged 9.6 points per game while shooting an impressive 42.9% from three-point range. His accuracy from beyond the arc helped to open up driving lanes for his teammates and created more opportunities for the team's big men to operate in the paint. Moore's contributions extended beyond his shooting. He was a smart and reliable defender who understood his role within the team's system. His ability to make quick decisions and execute plays effectively made him a valuable asset. The Pelicans valued Moore's consistency and his ability to contribute without needing to dominate the ball. His presence on the court provided a sense of balance and stability, and his contributions were often overlooked but essential to the team's success. As the team evolved, Moore's role continued to grow, and he became an integral part of the Pelicans' rotation. His ability to adapt to different roles and his unwavering commitment to the team made him a valuable asset. His presence on the court provided a calming influence, and his ability to make timely shots often made the difference in close games. Moore's contributions were a testament to his professionalism and his dedication to the game.

Solomon Hill: The Defensive Specialist

Solomon Hill was brought in to provide defensive toughness and versatility. His ability to guard multiple positions and contribute on the boards made him a valuable role player. In the 2016-2017 season, Hill averaged 7.0 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. While his offensive contributions were limited, his defensive presence was a key component of the team's strategy. Hill's ability to disrupt opposing players and create turnovers made him a valuable asset. His toughness and physicality helped to set the tone for the team's defense. The Pelicans valued Hill's versatility and his ability to contribute without needing to dominate the ball. His presence on the court provided a sense of stability, and his contributions were often overlooked but essential to the team's success. As the team evolved, Hill's role continued to grow, and he became an integral part of the Pelicans' rotation. His ability to adapt to different roles and his unwavering commitment to the team made him a valuable asset. His presence on the court provided a calming influence, and his ability to make timely defensive plays often made the difference in close games. Hill's contributions were a testament to his professionalism and his dedication to the game.

Other Notable Players

Terrence Jones

Terrence Jones provided scoring off the bench. His ability to create his own shot and attack the basket gave the Pelicans a spark when the starters needed a breather. Jones averaged 11.5 points per game, showcasing his offensive potential. However, his inconsistent play and defensive limitations prevented him from becoming a more integral part of the rotation.

Donatas Motiejunas

Donatas Motiejunas added size and skill to the frontcourt rotation. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and pass the ball effectively made him a valuable asset. However, his lack of athleticism and defensive deficiencies limited his impact. Motiejunas averaged 4.7 points and 3.0 rebounds per game.

Alexis Ajinca

Alexis Ajinca provided size and rebounding off the bench. His presence in the paint helped to protect the rim and secure rebounds. However, his limited offensive game and defensive limitations prevented him from becoming a more significant contributor. Ajinca averaged 5.3 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.

Coaching and Team Dynamics

Alvin Gentry served as the head coach of the Pelicans during the 2016-2017 season. Gentry's offensive-minded approach aimed to maximize the talents of Davis and Cousins. However, the team struggled to find a consistent offensive rhythm and defensive identity. Injuries and inconsistent performances further hampered the team's progress. The challenge of integrating Cousins into the team mid-season proved to be a significant hurdle. The coaching staff worked to find the right balance between allowing both stars to play their natural games while also creating a cohesive offensive system. Ultimately, the Pelicans finished the season with a disappointing record, failing to make the playoffs. The team's struggles highlighted the complexities of building a successful team, even with two of the league's most talented players. The need for improved chemistry, defensive toughness, and consistent role player contributions became apparent.

Final Thoughts

The 2017 New Orleans Pelicans roster was a team brimming with potential but ultimately falling short of expectations. The star power of Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins was undeniable, but the team struggled to find the right supporting cast and coaching strategies to maximize their talents. Injuries and inconsistent performances further hampered the team's progress. Despite the disappointing outcome, the season provided valuable lessons and insights that would inform future roster decisions and team-building strategies. The Pelicans' journey to contention would require a continued commitment to player development, strategic acquisitions, and a cohesive team dynamic.